Guitar Guide to the United States Map

Our Guitar Guide to the United States is a map highlighting the large array of memorable guitarists, manufacturers, and other significants landmarks that have helped shape music universally. Take a look at what your state or city has produced. You can click on the map to see the full size image and read below for more information on each point of interest.

Alabama: Country music legend Hank Williams Sr. got his big start working in Montgomery.

Arizona: Scottsdale is the current headquarters of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

Arkansas: Albert King was raised and started performing in Arkansas before moving on and picking up his Gibson Flying V.

California: San Diego County is home to both Taylor and Carvin guitars. Southern California can also claim rock guitar gods Eddie Van Halen and Slash. Thrash Metal legends James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Dave Mustaine were also raised in the Golden State. The Bay Area lays claim to the guitar jams of Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir, Jim Dunlop Manufacturing, and Mesa/Boogie

Colorado: Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most stunning venues in the U.S. to see a rock concert.

Kansas: Before she had a platinum album and a signature 12 string Ovation guitar, Melissa Etheridge was born and raised in Leavenworth.

Louisiana: The “Master of the Telecaster”, James Burton, developed his chicken pickin style in the Shreveport area as a teenager.

Maryland: Paul Reed Smith’s popular brand of guitars is based in Stevensville.

Massachusetts: Guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford created classic rock guitar lines as part of Aerosmith in Boston.

Michigan: In 1902, Gibson Guitars was founded in Kalamazoo.

Minnesota: Through all of his antics, Prince still manages to amaze fans with his amazing guitar work.

Mississippi: Nobody knows for sure what happened at the crossroads, but Robert Johnson definitely influenced American guitar forever. The Delta Blues produced many other legends like Howlin’ Wolf, Son House, and Elmore James.

Pennsylvania: Nazareth houses the headquarters and factory for Martin Guitars. Jazz legends George Benson and Joe Pass were both raised in the state.

Tennessee: A trip to Nashville allows you to experience history at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and Music Row. Beale Street, B.B. King, and Sun Records contribute to the Memphis tradition of blues and rockabilly.

Texas: Blues greats T-Bone Walker and Stevie Ray Vaughan, country icon Willie Nelson, and metal guitarist Dimebag Darrell are just a few of the Lonestar State’s legendary guitarists.

Utah: Digitech and their line of effects pedals are headquartered in Sandy.

Vermont: Trey Anastasio inspired a new generation of jam guitarists as a member of Phish

Virginia: Dave Matthews and his percussive acoustic style started in Charlottesville.

Washington: Jimi Hendrix was the first of many guitar legends who would call Seattle home.